Calgary breaks the record for participants with over 1,600 people coming together for the 31st annual Alzheimer Walk and Run on Sunday.
It was a sunny morning on Prince’s Island Park, and the energy was high.
Hundreds of Calgarians walked or ran to support the cause by raising awareness and funds for local families impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
For many, it was a commitment to their loved ones.
“I do this every year for my mom. It’s a small thing, but when it happened to my family, we really didn’t know much about it,” said Todd Davis, who finished fourth.
“We didn’t know what resources there was, or we didn’t really know the progression of the disease. There’s lots of things we didn’t know, and it might have made the journey a little easier for us.”
Barb Ferguson with Alzheimer Calgary says the Sunday event broke an all-time record with over 1,600 registered participants.
The goal this year is to raise $350,000. As of Monday morning, $229,993 has been raised.
“So we’re excited about that. It supports programs and services locally in Calgary, an area for families impacted by dementia. So that includes support programs, education. We also do a lot of public awareness,” she told CityNews.
Ferguson adds the goal is to “change the perceptions and attitudes about what it’s like to have dementia.”
Alayne Lepsack, a participant, says, “It’s incredible to see the participant numbers raise so much money and so much attention.”
Her family has been running and walking for the cause for 17 years.
“Well, I remember when we used to meet at the Chinese Cultural Center, and it was just a small little event, but still, the energy was high, and that’s what kind of kept us coming back, is our family here,” Lepsack said.
“Our granny was diagnosed very early in life with Alzheimer’s, and she fought a long, hard battle.”
Some avid runners just showed up to support the good cause, enjoy the beautiful weather, and share in the moment, like Lacey Brown who had a little friend run with her.
“This year, I have my dog with me, and she runs so fast that we finish really quick,” she said.
Participant Casey Amatto says the fall day has been beautiful and only added to the overall goal of running for the cause.
“It’s a beautiful fall day, Thanksgiving weekend. There’s lots of families, dogs, kids, so it’s a good cause and a great way to get outside and enjoy the weather,” she said.
Thankful to all who took part in this year’s run, Alzheimer Calgary says they are working hard to inspire real change and expect to keep growing and make it an even bigger event next year.